THE SHOALS-Homeless Care Council of Northwest Alabama requests help from area residents on Thursday, January 30, 2014 – Friday, January 31, 2014 (24-hours).
The Homeless Care Council of Northwest Alabama will conduct an annual homeless survey during a 24-hour period on January 30th – 31st. The survey, which is instrumental in receiving much needed grant funding for Northwest Alabama, is a challenging task that requires information from six counties.
HCCNWA members need volunteers from local organizations and agencies to help gather this 
information. Organizers for the survey said they could use the help of college students, senior citizens with time to volunteer, local churches and service organizations, and any entity who has contact with persons who at any time fall under the criteria defining homelessness.
This annual survey is known as the Point-in-Time count (PIT). It has been coordinated by the HCCNWA for over five years. The HCCNWA is a coalition of local governmental and nonprofit agencies, community organizations, and faith-based programs that take part in the effort of ending homelessness. It is part of the nation’s Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care Program.
“The count will help determine which groups of people are most at risk for homelessness and allow the HCCNWA and its members to take targeted actions to assist those most at risk,’’ Chair Nancy Isom said. “The HCCNWA needs volunteers to assist with the count. This is a great opportunity to get out and make a difference in your community.’’
Isom said volunteers are needed to cover our six county area including Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion, and Winston 
counties.
“We will need many volunteers to cover such a large rural area and to gather the best data,’’ she added. “But we will also need the help of staff members of agencies and civil services that help those who are at risk.’’
Training will be provided for the event on January 15th from 2p-3p at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library.
For more information and to sign up to volunteer,
interested persons can contact the HCCNWA by dialing 256-349-2946.
More information about the HCCNWA can be found at:www.facebook.com/HCCNWA
